The 0400 Series
The 0400 Series
Analog and PDM MEMS Directional Microphone
The 0400 series are directional MEMS microphones with a dipole pickup pattern for acoustic background noise rejection and superior sound isolation. The highly directional polar pattern exists across the audible signal range for a full, high-fidelity sound. This directionality allows for clear pickup of the desired signal with minimal signal processing even in noisy environments.
The 0400 series is available in both Analog and Digital.
SKR0400 - Analog
SKR0410 - PDM
Specifications
| Directionality Pattern | Dipole |
|---|---|
| Directivity Index | 4.8 dB |
| SNR | 63.5 dBA |
| AOP | 134 dB SPL |
| Current Consumption | 115 µA |
| Package | 3.50 x 2.65 x 1.31 mm3 |
| Output | Single-Ended or Differential |
Product Benefits
| Superior background noise rejection |
|---|
| Two microphones can be paired to enable full 360º beam steering and sound localization |
| High dynamic range |
| Can replace traditional omnidirectional arrays |
Applications
| Boom Headsets | Speakerphones |
|---|---|
| Webcams | Gooseneck Microphones |
| AR Glasses | OTC Hearing Aids |
| VR Headsets | Wireless Headsets |
Specifications
| Directionality Pattern | Dipole |
|---|---|
| Directivity Index | 4.8 dB |
| SNR | 63.5 dBA |
| AOP | 122 dB SPL |
| Current Consumption | 685 µA @ 2.4MHz |
| Package | 3.50 x 2.65 x 1.31 mm3 |
| Output | Single-Ended or Differential |
Product Benefits
| Only directional microphone with PDM output |
|---|
| Easy connection to existing DSPs and SoCs |
| Small footprint allows integration in products of all form factors |
| Can replace traditional omnidirectional microphone arrays |
Applications
| Webcams | Speakerphones |
|---|---|
| Security Cameras | Smart Speakers |
| AR Glasses | Laptops & Tablets |
| VR Headsets | Wireless Headsets |
Single Directional Microphone
A single directional microphone has the power of two omnidirectional beamforming microphones without the trade-off between SNR and directionality. By adding acoustic meshes, the beam pattern of the microphone can be altered and paired with software for very low latency and low power audio pickup.
Dipole + Omnidirectional Microphones
By using a directional and omnidirectional microphone together, the polar pattern can be adjusted from cardioid to dipole to optimize the output for several applications. Read more about combining directional and omnidirectional microphones.
XY + Omnidirectional Microphones
Adding an additional directional microphone enables beamsteering. Point the beam in any direction around the microphones. Read more about using XY microphones.
Broadside Array of Directional Microphones
Use spaced directional microphones, similar to traditional omnidirectional microphone arrays, to further increase the directionality of the system. Read more about broadside arrays of directional microphones.
Our Unique MEMS Design
Consistent Directionality
The 0400 series of microphones provides incredibly consistent directionality from 20Hz – 20kHz, something that can be very difficult with traditional omnidirectional arrays.
Small Footprint
By bringing the power of omnidirectional microphone arrays into a single microphone, the 0400 series reduces the real estate and power consumption needed in end devices.
Directional SNR
Where omnidirectional microphone arrays must sacrifice SNR to obtain directionality, the 0400 series gives the best of both worlds. Built from the hardware up to be naturally directive, there is no added cost to the SNR.
Software Compatible
Pairs of 0400 series microphones can be used in conjunction with software to enable a variety of features – beamforming, voice tracking, stereo recording, and more!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an omnidirectional and a directional microphone?
An omnidirectional microphone listens to every direction equally, providing uniform sound sensitivity. Omnidirectional microphones require the use of multiple microphones and software to provide directionality. A directional microphone is built to be directional, with natural noise rejection from off-axis sources. Using both microphones together can be a powerful combination to maximize flexibility. To learn more about combining directional and omnidirectional microphones check out this article on combining microphone polar patterns.
Do Soundskrit microphones require software?
Our microphones are inherently directional. They provide directionality in the hardware alone, without any need for software. However, we have also built expertise in algorithms to further enhance the performance and features of our microphone. To learn more, check out our software page.
Which polar pattern is right for my application?
Each application has different needs. A dipole brings the most rejection on the sides, while cardioids favor noise rejection in the back. Check out these demo videos to learn more!
Application Notes
AN-110
Attributes of Directional MEMS Microphones
AN-110 walks through key attributes of Soundskrit’s directional microphones such as directionality, SNR, acoustic path length, and more.
AN-220
Creating Different Polar Patterns in Beamforming
AN-220 examines how omnidirectional and dipole microphones can be combined using beamforming to create variable polar patterns.
AN-300
Integration Guide for Directional MEMS Microphones
AN-300 introduces the key integration considerations of Soundskrit’s directional MEMS microphones and builds intuition on using these microphones in products.